Geek deals: Get HP’s Envy x2 laptop/tablet hybrid for $775

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If ultrabooks were the rage of 2012, then it seems laptops with touchscreens will be the star of 2013. We have seen a stark rise in the number of touchscreen-equipped laptops since Windows 8 released and one of the most interesting versions of these machines are the “hybrid” models with removable slate.

This concept is one that started with Android tablets, where you could purchase an optional keyboard dock that at a minimum would provide a keyboard. More advanced models also added extras like more ports, a built-in battery for extended run-time, and a true clamshell design that allowed you to rotate the screen.

HP’s Envy x2 11t takes this design a step further, incorporating full PC components in order to run the full version of Windows 8, rather than the tablet-specific components. Powered by an Intel Atom Z2760 dual-core processor, the x2 is built around an 11.6-inch touchscreen that operates as a separate slate tablet anytime you like.

The detachable base features a standard size keyboard, touchpad, extra ports, and a battery. Using the slate by itself, you can expect over 5 hours of usage and more than 7 hours with the dock attached. With this kind of battery life in a 3 lbs laptop (1.5 lbs for the slate), you can work on the go just about anywhere for nearly a full day.

This is one of the few devices available that is sized to work well as both a laptop and a slate, with the technology and features to truly make it functional. While you won’t be gaming or running heavy programs on the Atom processor, it has enough performance to get all the usual tasks done with an extreme amount of portability.